Lee Johnson’s appointment as head coach was confirmed a little over two hours before kick-off against basement side Wigan, with the new man thrown straight in at the deep end as he took his place in the dugout against the Latics.
And Johnson wasted no time in putting his stamp on the team.
He brought Aiden McGeady in from the cold, with the former Republic of Ireland man back in the side for the first time in 13 months and he was included in the starting line-up in place of academy graduate Elliot Embleton.
McGeady’s return was one of four changes Johnson made to the side that drew at home to Burton Albion in midweek, two of which were forced upon him by injuries to Luke O’Nien and leading scorer Charlie Wyke.
Chris Maguire came into the side in place of O’Nien, while Will Grigg took the place of Wyke up front.
The other change saw Lee Burge return in goal in place of Remi Matthews, following the latter’s mistake against Burton which led to the visitors’ goal.
There was also a change of shape, with Johnson switching to a back four and a 4-3-3 system.
Embleton was included on the bench along with fellow youngster Jack Diamond.
Wigan caretaker manager Leam Richardson made two changes to the side that lost at Lincoln on Tuesday.
Lee Evans returned from injury and Thelo Aasgaard also came into the side, with the injured Matty Palmer missing out while Chris Merrie dropped to the bench.
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Today's team
Sunderland: Burge, McLaughlin, Wright, Flanagan, Hume, Scowen, Leadbitter, Power, Maguire, Grigg, McGeady.
Subs: Matthews, Dobson, Sanderson, Embleton, Graham, Diamond, McFadzean
